Is it okay to give my baby Gatorade if he has diarrhea and seems dehydrated?

No, Gatorade products aren't recommended for children under age 2. The sugar content is too high, and it might actually make your baby's diarrhea problem worse.

Once your baby is 6 months old, you can give him an electrolyte solution, like Pedialyte or Kao Lectrolyte. These are formulated especially to give your child the right amounts of sugar and salt for rehydration, if needed. They come in many flavors and even as popsicles: Once your baby is eating well from a spoon, you can partially melt the popsicle and spoon-feed it to him.

Electrolyte solutions are only supplements, though. It's important to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding your baby while he has diarrhea, so he'll get the nutrition and calories he needs.

If your baby has diarrhea and is younger than 6 months, give his doctor a call. She may recommend an electrolyte solution as a supplement to breastfeeding or formula feeding, and she may want you to bring him in for a visit.

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